Cuomo signs unwanted telemarketing legislation

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation today prohibiting all telemarketers doing business in New York state from delivering prerecorded messages by telephone to customers without expressed consent.

The state Legislature passed the legislation in May that mandates any telemarketing company in violation to be banned from doing business in New York state by the Department of State.

Previously, telemarketers licensed outside of the state could simply pay a negligible fine after violations of telemarketing laws.

The new law, which will take effect in 90 days, calls for each telemarketing company to register with the Department of State. In addition to having their registration revoked or suspended for violations, companies could also face additional fines and misdemeanor charges.

There are currently only 22 telemarketing firms currently registered in New York.

In contrast, in nearby states that require registration of out-of-state telemarketers calling into the state, the numbers are much higher. In New Jersey, 557 telemarketers are registered, 213 are registered in Pennsylvania and 333 are registered in Vermont.